Mercedes R129 1997 User Manual

Mercedes-Benz

500 SL

600 SL

SL Operator's Manual

320 SL

1

Product information

Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for
your vehicle model. We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes­Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases
an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them. Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive
comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an
automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of ownership, and
for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:

• Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.

• Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.

• Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.

DaimlerChrysler AG

2

Operator's manual

This Operator's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to
follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional
equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes­Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:

• New Car Limited Warranty,

• Emission System Warranty,

• Emission Performance Warranty,

• California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty

(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),

• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

3

Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz
USA,LLC or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of
repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair
attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a
cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more
times and you have at least once directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an

opportunity to perform the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed
in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet.
Maintenance

The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service.
The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

Roadside assistance

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number:

1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

4

Change of address or ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA)
at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

• Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,

• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,

• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program.
For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:

In the USA: In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz USA, Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
LLC European Delivery Department European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive 849 Eglinton Avenue East
Montvale, NI 07645-0350 Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

5

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design
and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator's Manual might differ from your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order
items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.

If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator's Manual, your authorized Mercedes­Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.

The Operator's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

6

The First 1000 Miles (1500km)

The more cautiously you treat your
vehicle during the break-in period, the
more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive
your vehicle during the first 1000 miles
(1500 km) at moderate vehicle and
engine speeds.

During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive
engine speeds.

Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is
not recommended to brake the vehicle
by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend to select positions "3",
"2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for
hill driving).

After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds
may be gradually increased to the
permissible maximum.

Check Regularly and Before a Long
Trip

See Index

Maintenance

We strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in
accordance with the Maintenance
Booklet.

Failure to have the vehicle maintained
in accordance with the Maintenance
Booklet may result in vehicle damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz.
Limited Warranty.

Radio Transmitters

Warning!

Never operate radio transmitters
equipped with a built-in or attached
antenna (i.e. without the telephone
connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the
engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle's
electronic system, possibly resulting
in an accident and personal injury.

Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit,
should only be used inside the vehicle
if they are connected to an antenna that
is installed on the outside of the
vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an
external antenna.

7

Introduction Central locking switch

Interior Central locking system

Product information
Operator's manual 4
Consumer Information 149 Antitheft Alarm System 34 Ashtray 61
Problems with your vehicle
Reporting Safety Defects 151 Backrest 37 Interior Lighting 62
Index 158 Multicontour seat 38 Roll Bar 63

Instruments and controls Armrest 40 Panorama roof (Hardtop) 66

Instruments and controls
Instrument Cluster 12 system (SRS) 41 Cellular telephone 75
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 45 Antenna 75
Catalytic Converter
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 15 Child restraint 50 Driving
Driving Instructions 16 Steering Lock 51

Operation Exterior Lamp Switch 54 Parking Brake 78

Automatic Climate Control
Basic settings – automatic mode 23 Night security illumination 56 Cruise Control 83
Defogging windows 24 Sun Visors 56 Charge Indicator Lamp 85
Defrosting
Rear window defroster 24 Instrument Lamps 57 Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 85
Air recirculation 25 Display illumination 57 Engine Oil Consumption 86
Car Keys
Start lock out 27 Clock 57 Tachometer 86
Infrared Remote Control 27 Garage door opener 58 Fuel reserve warning lamp 87
Central locking system
Doors 30
Trunk 33

Trunk 31 compartment) in dashboard 59

2 Power windows 32 Door pockets 60

150 Power seat 35 Lighter 61

Heated Seats

Adjusting steering column 40 Soft top 70

10 Seat belts and Supplemental restraint Wind Screen 73

14 Airbags 46

Combination Switch

Exterior rear view mirrors 55 Driving off 78

22 Inside rear view mirror 55 Automatic Transmission 79

24 Vanity mirrors 56 Engine oil pressure Gauge 85

26 Trip Odometer 57 Fuel Consumption Gauge 86

32 Outside temperature indicator 87

32 Storage Compartments (Eyeglasses

33 Rear Storage Compartments 60

39 Sunshade 65

52 Drinking and Driving 78

8

Coolant temperature gauge

Technical Data

Lowengine coolant level

87 Checking engine oil level 104 Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants,

Checking Automatic Lubricants etc. Consumer

warning lamp 88 Transmission Fluid Level 105 Information

Low windshield and Trunk Lamp 105

Headlamp washer system First Aid Kit 106 Identification Plates 136
Fluid level warning lamp 88 Stowing things in vehicle 106 Vehicle Data Card 137

Roll Bar Warning Lamp 89 Vehicle Tools 106 Warranty Coverage 137

Seat Belt and Backrest Lock Spare Wheel 106

SL 320 138

Warning Lamp 89 Vehicle Jack 107 SL 500 140
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 89 Wheels 107 SL 600 142
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 90 Changing Wheels 109 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 144
Brake Warning Lamp 90 Tire inflation Pressure 112 Capacities 144
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 91 Battery 113 Engine Oils 146
Acceleration Slip Control (ASR) 92 Exterior lamps 114 Engine Oils additives 146
Electronic stability program (ESP) 94 Fuses 121 Air conditioner refrigerant 146
Adaptive damping system (ADS) 96 Towing the Vehicle 122 Brake Fluid 146
Level control system 97 Jump Starting 123 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 146
Emission Control 99 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 124 Fuel Requirements 147
On-Board Diagnostic System Ski rack 124 Gasoline Additives 147

(California models only) 99 Testing Infrared Remote Control 125 Coolants 148

Winter Driving 100 Raising soft top manually 126 Service and Literature 159

Snow Chains 100 MERCEDES-BENZ Check regularly and before a long trip 160

Traveling Abroad 100 Spare Parts Service 128

Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 129

Practical Hints Replacing Wiper Blades 130

Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 131
Hood 102
Checking Coolant Level 103
Adding Coolant 103

9

Instruments and Controls

14

For more detailed descriptions see specified pages

1

Adjustable air outlet 17 Air volume control for left air outlet
2 Level control switch and wheel change switch 18 Air volume control for center air outlet
3 Exterior lamp switch 19 Air volume control for right air outlet
4 Parking brake release 20 Automatic climate control
5 Hood lock release 21 Audio
6 Parking brake pedal 22 Indicator lamp for anti-theft alarm system
7 Combination switch 23 Central locking switch
8 Cruise control 24 Hazard warning flasher switch
9 Horn 25 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch

10 Airbag 26 ASR or ESP control switch
11 Instrument cluster 27 Roll bar operation switch
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 28 Ashtray with lighter (to open press bottom of cover)
13 Adjustable air outlet 29 Soft/hardtop operation switch

Heated air supply button - center air outlet 30 Mirror adjustment switch

15 Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet 31 Seat heater switch
16 Storage/eyeglasses compartment 32 Power window switch

10

11

Instrument Cluster

8 ESP warning lamp (yellow) or
1 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index. ASR warning lamp (yellow). See Index.
2 Coolant temperature gauge. See Index. 9 Trip odometer. See Index.
3 Fuel consumption gauge. See Index. 10 Main odometer
4 Engine Oil pressure gauge (bar). See Index. 11 Outside temperature indicator. See Index.
5 Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) 12 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
6 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer. See Index. 13 Knob for setting clock. See Index.
7 Speedometer 14 Tachometer. See Index.

15 Clock See Index.

12

Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp

High beam Exterior lamp failure. See Index.

Warning Lamp

(should go out with the engine running unless)

Adjust driving to road condition. See Index

Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system
low. See Index.
Coolant level low. See Index. SRS malfunction. See Index.

Engine oil level low. See Index. Fasten seat belts. Backrest not locked.

Roll bar malfunction. See Index.

ABS malfunction. See Index.

ADS malfunction. See Index.

ESP malfunction. See Index.

ASR malfunction. See Index.

Brake pads worn down. See Index.

Battery not being charged properly. See IndexASR or ESP.

Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged. See Index.
Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged. See Index.

See Index.
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the lamp
comes on when the engine is running, it indicates a
malfunction of the fuel injection system or emission
control system. In either case, we recommend that
you have the malfunction checked as soon as
possible. See Index.

13

Catalytic Converter

Caution!

Warning!

Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped
with monolithic type catalytic converters,
an important element in conjunction with
the oxygen sensor to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our re­commended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.

To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, use only premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.

Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter
causing it to overheat.

As with any vehicle, do not idle, park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass,
hay or leaves can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system, as these
materials could be ignited.

14

Starting and Turning off the Engine

Hot Engine

Important!

Starter Lock-Out

Before Starting

Engage parking brake and ensure
gearshift lever is in neutral (selector
lever position "P" or "N" on automatic
transmissions).
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
The charge indicator lamp should come
on.

Cold Engine

Do not depress accelerator.
Turn key in steering lock clock-wise to
the stop. Do not depress accelerator.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly.

Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in
steering lock clock-wise to the stop. If
the engine has not fired after approx. 4
seconds, depress accelerator and
continue cranking until the engine is
firing regularly. Release key and back
off accelerator.

At very high coolant temperatures the
engine starting time can be shortened if
the accelerator is depressed slowly at
the beginning of the starting process.

Turning Off

Turn the key in the steering lock to
position 0 to stop the engine.

The key can only be removed with the
selector lever in position "P".

Due to the installed starter non-repeat
feature, the key must be turned
completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.

Observe the oil pressure gauge
immediately after starting the engine.
In a very cold engine the oil pressure
will rise slowly after the engine has
started. Do not speed up the engine
before pressure is registered on the
pressure gauge. If you do not see the
gauge register oil pressure, stop the
engine and have it checked.

The battery charge indicator lamp
should go out as soon as the engine has
started.

In areas where temperatures frequently
drop below -4°F (-20°C) we
recommend that an engine block heater
be installed. Your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer will advise you
on this subject.

15

Driving Instructions

Warning!

If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you
suspect that possible damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should
turn on the hazard flashers, carefully
slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from
the roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the
vehicle for possible damage. If the
vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it
towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz
or tire dealer for repairs.

Power Assistance

Warning!

When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are
without power assistance. Under
these circumstances, a much greater
effort is necessary to stop or steer the
vehicle.

Brakes

Warning!

After driving in heavy rain for some
time without applying the brakes or
through water deep enough to wet
brake components, the first braking
action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe
distance from vehicles in front.

Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.

It can also result in the brakes
overheating thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the car in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.

The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for the required
maintenance.

All checks and maintenance work on
the brake system should be carried out
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer.

If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low.

Brake pad wear or a leak in the system
may be the reason for low brake fluid
in the reservoir.

Have the brake system inspected at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
immediately.

Install only brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.

Warning!

If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, or other than
recommended brake fluid is used,
the braking properties of the vehicle
can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially
impaired.

16

Caution!

When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into "3", "2" or "1" (for
models SL 500 and SL 600). This helps
prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.

After hard braking, it is advisable to
drive on for some time, rather than
immediately parking, so the air stream
will cool down the brakes faster.

Tires

Tread wear indicators (TWI) are
required by law. These indicators are
located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a
depth of approximately

1

/16in (2 mm),
at which point the tire is considered
worn and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread.

Warning!

Do not allow your tires to wear
down too far. With less than

1

/16in
(1.5 mm) of tread, the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or
road surface (conditions), the tire
traction varies widely.

Specified tire pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subjected to high loads
(e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).

Warning!

Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat
tire affects the ability to steer or
brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the car. Continued driving
with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause
excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.

Aquaplaning

Depending on the depth of the water
layer on the road, aquaplaning may
occur, even at low speeds and with
new tires. Avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.

17

Tire Traction

Tire Speed Rating

Parking

The safe speed on a wet, snow covered
or icy road is always lower than on a
dry road.
You should pay particular attention to
the condition of the road as soon as the
prevailing temperatures fall close to the
freezing point.

Warning!

If ice has formed on the road, tire
traction will be substantially
reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.

We recommend M + S radial-ply tires
for the winter season for all four wheels
to insure normal balanced handling
characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance as compared with
summer tires. Stopping distance,
however, is still considerably greater
than when the road is wet or dry.

Your vehicle is factory equipped with
"Z"-rated tires.

Despite the tire rating, local speed
limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions.

Warning!

Even when permitted by law, never
operate a vehicle at speeds greater
than the maximum speed rating of
the tires.

Exceeding the maximum speed for
which tires are rated can lead to
sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in
personal injury and possible death.

Warning!

To reduce the risk of personal injury
as a result of vehicle movement,

turning off the engine and

before
leaving the vehicle always:

1. Keep foot on brake pedal.

2. Firmly depress parking
brake pedal.

3. Engage first or reverse
gear (selector lever position "P"
in the case of automatic
transmissions).

4. Slowly release brake pedal.

5. Turn front wheels towards
the road curb.

6. Turn the key to steering
lock position 0 and remove.

Important!

It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever parking or leaving the
vehicle. In addition, engage first or
reverse gear (selector lever position
"P").
When parking on hills, always set the
parking brake.

18

Winter Driving Instructions

The most important rule for slippery or
icy roads is to drive sensibly and to
avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and
steering action. Do not use the cruise
control system under such conditions.

When the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, declutch, or in case of
automatic transmission move selector
lever to position "N". Try to keep the
vehicle under control by corrective
steering action.

Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased
pedal force may become necessary to
produce the normal brake effect. We
therefore recommend depressing the
brake pedal periodically when traveling
at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
A prerequisite is, however, that this is
done without endangering other drivers
on the road.

If the vehicle is parked after being
driven on salt treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while
observing the safety rules in the
previous paragraph.

Warning!

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow,
make sure that snow is kept clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around
the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air
ventilation, open a window slightly
on the side of the car that is out of
the wind.

Passenger Compartment

Warning!

Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking
or sudden maneuvers, loose items
will be thrown around inside the
vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.

19

20

Operation

21

Automatic Climate Control

The system is always at operational
readiness, except when manually
switched off.

The automatic climate control only
operates with the engine running.

The temperature selector should be left
at the desired temperature setting. The
temperature selected is reached as
quickly as possible.

The system will not heat or cool any
quicker by setting a higher or lower
temperature.

1. Air volume control for left air

outlet, turn left to open

2. Air volume control for center

air outlets, turn left to open

3. Air volume control for right center

air outlet, turn left to open

4. Center air outlets, adjustable

5. Side air outlet, left and right,

adjustable

Push-buttons for center air outlets

6. Heated air supply

7. Non-heated/cooled air supply

Basic mode:
None of the push-buttons
(6 or 7) is pressed.

8. Display and Controls

22

Display and Controls

Press to activate, indicator lamp is on
while activated.

Automatic mode

Raise temperature

Lower temperature

Defrost

Air recirculation

Rear window defroster

Air is directed to foot area
and doors

Economy mode

Air volume, manual

Residual engine heat
utilization

Basic Setting - Automatic Mode

Press for automatic mode.

Simultaneously press both

and for temperature

setting of 72°F.

Air volume and distribution are
controlled automatically.

This setting can be used all year
around.

Economy

The function of this setting corresponds
to the automatic mode. However,
because the air conditioning
compressor will not engage (fuel
savings), it is not possible to air
condition in this setting.

Press button to activate.

Press button once again to return
to previous setting.

23

Special Settings
(use only for snort duration)
Defogging Windows

Switch off button,
Press button.
Press button repeatedly
until air directly upwards.

Turn wheels (1 and 3) left to open left
and right air outlets (5).

Defrosting

Turn wheels (1 and 3) left to open left
and right air outlets (5).
Press button. Maximum heated

and automatically controlled amount of
air is directed to the windshield and
side windows.

Press button once again to return
to previous setting.

Rear Window Defroster

Turn key in steering lock to
position 2.
To select, press button.
To cancel, press button again.

Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice
should be removed before activating
the defroster.

The rear window defroster uses a large
amount of power. To keep the battery
drain to a minimum, turn off the
defroster as soon as the window is
clear.

The defroster is automatically
turned off after a maximum of 12
minutes of operation.

If several power consumers are turned
on simultaneously, or the battery is
only partially charged, it is possible
that the defroster will automatically
turn itself off. When this happens, the
indicator lamp inside the switch starts
blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient
voltage, the defroster automatically
turns itself back on.

Air Distribution

Press button repeatedly until the
requested symbol is displayed

Air Volume

Press - or +side of rocker switch

until the requested blower
speed is attained, A choice of 7
blower speeds is available,
To switch the automatic climate
control off, press -side of rocker
switch until symbol OFF is
displayed.

The fresh air supply to the car interior
is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only
temporarily, otherwise the windshield
could fog up.
To switch the automatic climate
control on again, press ,

, or + side of ,

24

Air Recirculation

Residual Engine Heat Utilization

Dust Filter

This mode can be selected to
temporarily reduce the entry of
annoying odors or dust into the
vehicle's interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the
car's interior.
To select, press
To cancel, press button again.
The system will automatically
switch from recirculated air to fresh
air

• after approx. 5 minutes at
outside temperatures below
approx. 40°F (6°C),

• after approx. 20 minutes, at
outside temperatures above
approx. 40°F (5°C),

• after approx. 5 minutes, if button

is pressed.

If the windows should fog up from
the inside, switch from recirculated
air back to fresh air,
At high outside temperatures, the
system automatically engages the
recirculated air mode thereby
increasing the cooling capacity
performance, switching to partially
fresh air within 20 minutes.

button.

With the engine switched off, it is
possible to continue heating the interior
for a short while.

Air volume and distribution are
controlled automatically.

To select:
Turn key in steering lock to position 1
or 0 or remove key. Close air outlet in
rear passenger compartment.

Press button.

This function selection will not activate
if the battery charge level is
insufficient.

To cancel: Press button.

The system will automatically
shut off

• if you turn key in steering lock to
position 2,

• after approx. 30 minutes,

• if the battery voltage drops.

Nearly all dust particles and pollen
are filtered out before outside air
enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.

Notes:
Do not obstruct the air flow by
placing objects on the air flow­through exhaust slots below the
rear window.

Also keep the air intake grille in front
of windshield free of snow and debris.

Important!

This vehicle is equipped with an
air conditioner system that uses
R-134a (HFC: hydrofluorocarbon)
as a refrigerant. Repairs should
always be performed by a qualified
technician, and refrigerant should
be collected in a recovery system
for recycling.

25

Car Keys

Included with your vehicle are

• 2 Master keys with infrared
remote control

• 1 Master key
1 Valet key

• 1 Flat key

Remote Control with
Folding Master Key

The master key fits all locks on the car.

To release the key, press button (1).
The key unfolds from the holder by
itself.

The transmitter for the infrared remote
control is located in the key holder, the
receivers are located in the door
handless, and next to the trunk lock.

The valet key works only in the driver's
door |lock and the steering lock.

The valet key will not work in the
trunk and storage compartment locks.

The flat key fits all locks on the car.

Notes:
Do not give the master key to an
unauthorized person.

We recommend that you carry the fiat
key with you and keep it in a safe place
(e.g. your wallet) so that it is always
handy. Never leave the flat key in the
vehicle.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle always
remove the key from the steering
lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use
of vehicle equipment may cause
serious personal injury.

Obtaining Replacement Keys

Your vehicle is equipped with a theft
deterrent locking system requiring a
special key manufacturing process. For
security reasons, replacement keys can
only be obtained from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer.

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Start Lock-Out

Infrared Remote Control

Important!

Removing the key from the steering
lock activates the start lock-out. The
engine cannot be started.

Turning the key in the steering lock to
position 2 deactivates the start lock-out.

The vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler
flap can be centrally locked and
unlocked, as well as the windows and
sliding roof closed with infrared
remote control.
With vehicle centrally locked, the trunk
can also be opened by using the
infrared remote control. Aim
transmitter eye at receiver and press
transmit button twice.

1. Transmit button

2. Transmitter eye and lamp for

battery check

3. Key release button

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4. Receiver, red indicator lamp
(locking) and green indicator
lamp (unlocking) in left door
handle,

5. Receiver, red indicator lamp
(locking) and green indicator lamp
(unlocking) in right door handle.

6. Receiver, red indicator lamp
(locking) and green indicator lamp
(unlocking) below trunk lock.

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Locking and Unlocking

Closing Windows from Outside

Note:

Aim transmitter eye (2) at a receiver
(4, 5, or 6) and press transmit button.

The red or green indicator lamp on the
receiver should blink, It stops blinking
when the vehicle is properly locked or
unlocked.

Notes:

If the trunk was previously locked
separately, it will remain locked (see
Index).

If the vehicle cannot be locked or
unlocked by pressing the transmit
button, then it may be necessary to
change the batteries in the transmitter
(if ok, battery indicator lamp in
transmitter will light briefly when
transmitting) or to synchronize the
system, see Remote Control, Infrared
in Index.

Continue to press transmit button after
locking car.
The windows begin to close after
approx. 2 seconds.

Warning!

Never close the windows If there is
the possibility of anyone being
harmed by the raising window.

In case the closing procedure causes
potential danger, the closing
procedure can be immediately
interrupted by releasing the transmit
button. However, the windows can
only be lowered using the power
window buttons inside the car.

If the side windows cannot be closed
automatically by pressing the transmit
button of the infrared remote control
then it may be necessary to change the
batteries in the transmitter (if ok,
battery indicator lamp in transmitter
will light briefly when transmitting), or
to synchronize the system, see Remote
Control, Infrared in Index.

29

Central Locking System

The entire vehicle may be locked or
unlocked by using either the master
key in driver's door or trunk lock, or
central locking switch located in center
console. The central locking system
also locks or unlocks the fuel filler
flap.

Note:
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened,
refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual
Release (see Index).

Doors

1. Opening - pull handle

2. Unlocking

3. Locking

4. Individual door from inside:

• Push lock button down to lock.

• Pull lock button up to unlock.

When you lock the car, both door lock
buttons should move down. If any one
stays up, the respective door is not
properly closed.

You should then unlock the car, open
and reclose this door, and lock the car
again. Each individual door can be
locked with door lock button - the
driver's door can only be locked when
it is closed.

If the car has previously been locked
from the outside, only the door being
opened from the inside will unlock,
and the alarm will come on. The other
door, the trunk lid and fuel filler flap
remain locked.

Emergency Unlocking in Case of
Accident

The doors unlock automatically a short
time after the roll bar is deployed in an
accident (this is intended to aid rescue
and exit). However, the key in the
steering lock must be in steering lock
positions 1, 2 or returned to position 0,
but not removed.

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